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Ben Nevis 1996 21 Years Single Malt Whisky

Ben Nevis 1996 DL

Ben Nevis

Highlands · United Kingdom

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Whisky Information

Age
21 years
ABV
52.8%
Volume
700 ml
Category
Single Malt Whisky
Distillery
Ben Nevis
Distillation Year
02.1996
Bottling Year
04.2017
Cask Types
Refill Hogshead

Price

Latest market prices from domestic and international sources

Recent history

Lowest Price:€390.43(2024-02-28)

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Ben Nevis Distillery, established in 1825 by Long John MacDonald, stands as one of Scotland's most historically significant whisky producers. Located at the foot of Ben Nevis, the UK's highest peak, it uniquely sources water filtered through ancient peat bogs and granite for over a century, creating an unparalleled mineral profile. As one of only three Highland distilleries licensed immediately after the 1823 Excise Act, it pioneered legal whisky production in the region. The distillery holds a revered place in Japanese whisky history: Taketsuru Masataka, the father of Japanese whisky, apprenticed here in the 1920s, finding its robust character aligned with his vision. His Scottish wife Rita Taketsuru (née Macdonald) was ironically a descendant of the distillery's founding family. In 1989, Nikka Whisky acquired Ben Nevis, fulfilling Taketsuru's long-held admiration. Ben Nevis distinguishes itself through uncompromising traditional methods: no caramel coloring, no chill filtration, and uniquely in Scotland, fermentation using beer yeast. This creates a full-bodied spirit with intense stone fruit, orange marmalade, and dark chocolate notes, developing characteristic leather and tobacco complexity with age. The distillery employs traditional worm tub condensers and direct fire heating on some stills, preserving historic character. Production is split: approximately 30% of new make spirit ships directly to Japan for maturation in Nikka's warehouses, while the remainder ages on-site for Ben Nevis's scarce official bottlings. Due to severe stock shortages, age statements are deliberately understated—8-year-old releases contain 8-14 year whisky, 10-year-olds contain 12-15 year, and 15-year-olds contain 17+ year spirit. This makes authentic OB expressions exceptionally rare compared to numerous independent bottlings, positioning Ben Nevis as a cult favorite among connoisseurs seeking unadulterated, traditional Highland single malt.
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Tasting Notes & Reviews

1-5 of 19 notes Log in to rate
Whiskyspace Notes 2327

Whiskyspace Notes 2327

Jul 5, 2026, 21:18:54

Just had a dram that felt like walking through a damp forest after rain – lime zest and citrusy notes up front, then a touch of concrete and flint, with a waxy side and hints of white peach and passion fruit. A little soot and broken branches in the background, finishing medium length with a shy flower whisper. 🍃

Whiskyspace Notes 2221

Whiskyspace Notes 2221

Jul 2, 2026, 22:48:49

The dram hit the palate with a medium, almost crystalline feel – absolutely wonderful. Right off the bat I got a burst of citrusy lime that quickly slipped into more tropical fruits, like passion fruit and a hint of white peach. There’s a subtle green‑tea note under the fruit, mingling with shy flowers and a flash of tulips, while the back of it feels a bit like fresh leaves and broken branches on a rocky shoreline. A faint edge of soot and a dry, concrete‑like leather tone give it a solid, waxy side that reminds me it’s pushing the 90‑mark. All in all, a tidy, oddly earthy mix that makes me think of a walk through the woods after a summer rain. 🌿🥃

Whiskyspace Notes 2133

Whiskyspace Notes 2133

Jun 27, 2026, 15:42:51

First sip hits with this waxy side, almost like plasticine in the mouth, but then it opens up into something more. There's a proper medium body, not too heavy, with a crystalline clarity that makes me think of morning dew on leaves and tulips. The nose is a mix of broken branches after a storm, hints of leather and green tea, maybe a touch of concrete from a summer path. On the palate, I get lime and tangerines dancing with more tropical fruits, while soot and flints add a smoky edge. The finish lingers with mushrooms and rocks, earthy but clean, and there's this wonderful pureness underneath it all. Definitely feels like it's approaching the 90-mark in age, but still holds its character well. Absolutely wonderful stuff, really. 🥃

Whiskyspace Notes 2026

Whiskyspace Notes 2026

Jun 25, 2026, 15:18:16

第一口带着烟熏的泥土味,像刚扫过壁炉灰的那种暖烘烘的感觉。然后是草地和绿茶的清新,夹杂着晶莹剔透的水果香——榴莲、杨桃和百香果,像在热带雨林里溜达了一圈。加块冰后,柠檬皮和干花的香气悄悄溜出来,皮革和稻草的余韵还挂在舌尖,最后是淡淡的烟灰味收尾。 🌿🍈

Whiskyspace Notes 1835

Whiskyspace Notes 1835

Jun 23, 2026, 18:18:45

第一下喝到的时候,哇,很清晰,有点像星星果和百香果混合的味道,但后来出来一些蘑菇和叶子的潮湿感。中等酒体,但纯度真的很棒。 有点像捏橡皮泥和一点煤灰的味道,然后居然想到断裂的树枝和郁金香?后面热带水果的感觉又回来了,带着橘子皮。还有一点青柠和蜡感。 对了,底下有点像水泥和石块,还有点绿草和皮革。收尾时隐约有绿茶和草莓的感觉?整体很深,接近九十分的那种感觉。😊

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